True peace realized at the brink of death.. An Chi-hwan: "I live only for today" [Star Scene] [Comprehensive]

*This content was translated by AI.

Singer An Chi-hwan has returned with profound inner stories and an undiminished musical passion.

On the 8th, a showcase was held at Yeonnam Space in Yeonnam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, to commemorate the release of An Chi-hwan's fifteenth full-length album 'Seize the Day'.

This new album was released at high speed just one year after his previous 14th album 'Human Realm'. An Chi-hwan stated, "Since I released and returned with my 14th album around this time last year, this is a quick turnaround. All the songs being released now were prepared in advance." He added, "I have always felt a strong desire to share these songs with you sooner. While some might call it diligence or even overproduction, I possess a deep pride in my songs," revealing his tireless passion for creation.

The background of this new album is rooted in profound reflections on life and death. He explained, "The recent passing of my mother was the beginning of my gradual contemplation on death." He noted, "While the songs on my 14th album were created during a period of turmoil, carrying strong era-specificity and powerful messages, the current songs focus on capturing my inner story even amidst such turbulent times."

Instead of grand societal discourses, the pursuit of small daily happiness was decisively shaped by the loss of a close acquaintance and a painful battle with illness.

Recalling his late close colleague Kim Kwang-seok, he shared his painful regrets: "When he passed away, I deeply regretted leaving him alone too often due to being busy." He continued, "Famous people inevitably become lonely. Later, when I became more famous, I firmly and coldly set boundaries with relationships entangled by popularity, creating distance."

His severe battle with stomach cancer also brought about significant change. An Chi-hwan confessed, "Going through treatment changed my perspective on the world. I resolved to cherish myself more, and as I went through the process of freeing myself from everything that bound me, my thoughts became much clearer."

Through these experiences of loss and illness, he further solidified his identity as an 'artist' who maintains distance from the world while observing daily life. An Chi-hwan honestly stated, "I have no intention to criticize entertainers. It is a life each person chooses, and I simply chose this path. Due to my nature, appearing on TV and singing makes me stiff and unnatural." He then added, "I believe there are no more narcissists than celebrities. In negative terms, they are attention-seekers; in positive terms, they are narcissists. However, I think the figure that surpasses them—the 'honest narcissist'—is precisely the artist," expressing his firm conviction.

He further stated, "I believe entertainers must stay close to the world, but artists must maintain distance from it. Only by viewing the world with some distance can an artist endure."

As a honest artist, what he faces now is 'peace' and 'comfort'. His wish from last year to "sing happily on the day the turmoil ends" became reality in less than a year. An Chi-hwan remarked, "The conditions that allow citizens to live and work diligently in a world free from barbaric obstacles like state violence are precisely life's peace." He delivered a sharp warning: "While the main culprits of the turmoil are in prison and people want to forget them, the era is so blatant that we must remain vigilant."

Having addressed the pain of the times, he now sends a steady message of encouragement to those quietly enduring harsh daily lives. An Chi-hwan said, "Having passed through dark periods, I intuitively feel the need for songs that cheer up and energize people who live their daily lives diligently." He added with a bright smile, "Last time, I suggested we celebrate wildly on the day the turmoil ends, and it is truly good that this moment arrives soon. At the concert scheduled to be held next week, I will perform more enthusiastically than ever before."

'Seize the Day' is his new album released approximately 11 months after his 14th full-length album 'Human Realm', capturing the preciousness of ordinary daily life accumulating day by day instead of grand discourses, along with a warm gaze and praise for those quietly living through the present.

Furthermore, An Chi-hwan conveyed a message to live more meaningfully with the life given now, rather than being bound by the past or an uncertain future, emphasizing 'be faithful to the present'.

The title track is 'I Live Only for Today'. This track, featuring Song Bong-ju of The Geeks in songwriting and composition, embodies An Chi-hwan's wish for it to become a warm comfort not only to his contemporaries who have worked hard through an unforgiving world but also to people of the same era.

To commemorate the new album release, a solo concert titled 'Singing Autumn' will be held on the 18th and 19th.

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*This content was translated by AI.